One of the UK’s favourite confectionery items, Mars Bars, could run out of supplies in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, according to warnings made to environment minister Michael Gove by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

The Mars, Incorporated group is undertaking a joint venture project with crop improvement business Benson Hill Biosystems, aiming to enhance productivity and climate resilience of the cacao trees, that are essential for confectionery.

Tackling major concerns over child labour and gender inequality, and an urgent need for greater overall support for farming communities formed some of the key themes of this year’s World Cocoa Conference. Neill Barston reports from Berlin.